A friend loves at all times....

Through tear stained eyes in front of the casket one of my besties turned to me and said:

"How did we get here?"

We were the end of the line, watching another bestie greet family and friends who've gathered to celebrate the life of her Dad. 

Weren't we just in college, comparing notes - not the content, but our similar styles for neatness and organization.  Weren't we just picking up our professor to go out with us for an evening at the favorite bar or an Ag party?  Weren't they just being dropped off at each other's houses for slumber parties? 

How did we get here?  Watching friends bury parents? 

That's what friends are for. 

Friends like this, nearly 20 years we've stuck by each other.  We've gone through life's greatest highs, lowest lows and celebrated or shared tears along the way.  

And, here we are ... grown. 

All of us have Dad's that have had pretty significant health issues.  It could be any of us. 

We cheered our friend, she was so brave to stand and eulogize her Dad, sharing sweet stories and memories.  The kind of strength that comes from deep within.  From knowing she was prayed for and loved so well to be able to stand before that service. 

Her Mom and sister sat at her sides through the 21-gun salute, Taps and a flag presentation that makes anyone with an ounce of patriotism tear up, much less knowing the one who had served their country and what that flag represents. 

Recently I was asked how often I saw one of my college friends.  I said just a couple of times a year, but we speak almost daily.  Before or after school and a group text message is constantly running between us.  From stories of babies, teenagers, first dances, family vacations, fishing, parties, church picnics, dates (as the lone single girl), fashion, haircuts and prayers.  We make an effort and keep in touch with the little and big of each other's lives.  We just wish we were closer, but that could be dangerous ...

When you lose best friends at a young age, you realize....these friends, friends for a lifetime don't come easy.  It takes effort.  These girls, and so many others, it's worth every bit of effort, those are friends that truly are a gift in life. 

From Candace Bure's Balancing It All

They are also the people who take you just as you are....the night after the funeral, this was real life for me...headache, glasses on, makeup off, hair in a bun, cried today, weary but full heart...love your people, live your life now, you may have later and you may not.

Despite the hard times when we can smile and laugh through tears, there are so many good memories, proud to call them my friends and to stand alongside them in trials and triumphs of life! 

A friend loves at all times,